May 7, 2007
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Former University of Maryland running back Josh Allen agreed to a free-agent deal with the Chicago Bears, the team announced Monday on its Web site (chicagobears.com). He is the fifth Terp to come to terms on a free-agent contract since the NFL Draft.
Last week, quarterback Sam Hollenbach and offensive tackle Stephon Heyer signed with the Washington Redskins, linebacker David Holloway inked a deal with the Arizona Cardinals and defensive lineman Conrad Bolston agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings.
Allen was one of six free agents to sign with the Bears after working out for the team over the weekend in a rookie minicamp.
Seven Terps from the 2006 squad will now have a shot to make an NFL roster this summer. Josh Wilson was chosen with the 23rd pick in the second round (55th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks, and Adam Podlesh was taken with the second choice in the fourth round (102nd overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
A hard-nosed runner who missed all of 2005 rehabilitating a knee injury suffered at the end of 2004, Allen was a significant contributor in each of his first three years.
The Tampa, Fla., native played in 45 games during his career, including 17 starts, all at running back. He played in all 13 games last season, seeing action as a reserve running back and on special teams. He compiled 98 rushing yards on 33 carries in 2006 and had a career-high 922 yards (on 186 carries) in 2003.
A 2006 Brian Piccolo Award nominee for his comeback after his career-threatening knee injury, he ranks ninth in school history on the career rushing yards chart (1,958) and tied for sixth on the career rushing touchdowns list (21). He averaged 4.6 yards per carry in his career.
